Apparatus for gaging fiber characteristics



- April 7, 1959 E. BYRKETT ET AL APPARATUS FOR GAGING FIBER CHARACTERISTICS Filed Jan. 5, 1956 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTORS gwd Jaw M!- MM 71'! 5 E. L. BYRKETT ET AL 2,880,609

APPARATUS FOR-GAGING FIBER CHARACTERISTICS Filed Jan. 5, 1956 April 7, 1959 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVEJIZORS M 2 W W 111 United States Patent APPARATUS FOR GAGING FIBER CHARACTERISTICS Elwood L. Byrkett and Nelson Emmons III, Dayton, Ohio, assignors, by mesne assignments, to The Sheflield Corporation, a corporation of Delaware Application January 5, 1956, Serial No. 557,492 8 Claims. (Cl. 73-38) Itis a further object to provide such an apparatus wherein a fiber compressing plunger is inserted and retracted from a fiber receiving chamber by air operated power means and air actuated valve means automatically control flow through an indicating instrument and to the chamber in response to the pressure applied to the power means.

It is a further object to provide such an apparatus wherein the application of pressure to the=valve means is automatically controlled sothat the gaging flow is delayed to allow full extension of the compressing plunger to compress the fibrous mass to be gaged, and is momentarily maintained upon retraction of the plunger to automatically eject the fibrous mass from the receiving chamber.

It is a further object to provide a fiber gaging apparatus wherein a compressing plunger is supported with freedom of movement relative to a receiving chamber and the plunger end is guided for easy entry into the chamber.

It is a further object to provide a set-up assembly including a removable unit for insertion into the fiber receiving chamber of a fiber characteristic gaging apparatus of the air flow type, the unit having restricted passage means through which air flow can be selectively diverted to obtain predetermined flow conditions through the chamber, and a pressure gage connected to a passage through the unit for gaging the chamber pressure under flow conditions such as exist during gaging.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following deescription, the appended claims and the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is a front view in partial central section of an apparatus embodying the present invention,

Figure 2 is an enlarged portion of Figure 1,

Figure 3 is a sectional view on line 3-3 of Figure 2, Figure 4 shows the upper end of a set-up master connected to a pressure gage,

I Figure 5 is a side view of the master broken away to central vertical section to disclose the passage means therethrough,

Figure 6 is a diagram of the gaging and actuating circuit of the apparatus, and

Figure 7 is a sectional view of an air pressure actuated valve used in the circuit.

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receiving chamber. A plunger inserted into the chamber compresses the fiber and has passages leading to atmosphere. In automatically gaging fiber samples power means are provided for extending the compression plunger into the receiving chamber for gaging and for retracting the plunger upon completion of a gaging operation.

In the illustrated apparatus the power means comprises an air operated piston. Pressure actuated valve means are provided in the circuit to the gaging instrument responsive to the application of extension pressure to the piston for supplying air to the instrument and maintaining the air flow during gaging. Provision is made in the air circuit for a predetermined delay in gaging flow to allow full extension of the compression plunger into the receiving chamber and gaging flow is maintained upon retraction of the plunger so that the fiber sample is automatically ejected from the receiving chamber.

In order to simplify and expedite set-up procedures, a set-up assembly has been provided including a master unit for insertion in sealed relationship with the receiving chamber. The master includes passage means leading from the chamber to atmosphere and having restric tions therein through which air can be selectively diverted to obtain predetermined flow conditions for ad- 1 justment of the instrument. The master also has a pas- The present invention has particular application to measuring instrument and into the lower end of a, fiber sage leading therethrough connected to a pressure indicating instrument such as a manometer or the like. By inserting the master into the chamber during set-up, predetermined flow conditions can be easily obtained and the pressure within the chamber accurately gaged under flow conditions such as exist during a fiber gaging operation. Following gaging the master unit is removed. The pressure gage is only used during set-up. Removal of the gage from the circuit during gaging avoids distracting fluctuations in the pressure indication during gaging. When a manometer is permanently connected to the gaging circuit for use during set-up the column of mercury tends to bounce on the line and exaggerate pressure fluctuations and stability of indication. Permanent connection to the removable master unit avoids this result.

With a set-up assembly as provided by this invention, the entire set-up procedure is simplified and several instruments can be conveniently adjusted for gaging with a single such assembly. I

Referring particularly to the drawings, Figure 1 discloses an exemplary apparatus in which the major gaging components comprise a flow indicating instrument 10, a fiber receiving chamber 11, and a fiber compressing plunger 12, all supported on a base 14. i

The illustrated flow gaging instrument is of a type wherein flow is indicated by the movement of an indicating float 16 along an internally tapered vertical flow tube 17. The circuit for such an instrument is diagrammatically shown in Figure 6. It includes an inlet connection 20 leading from a source of fluid under controlled pressure and an outlet 21 leading to the lower end of the fiber receiving chamber 11. Such instruments include an adjustment 22 controlling the leakage directly to atmosphere at the upper end of tube 17 for adjustments of float position during set-up and an adjustable by-pass 24 for varying the amplification of the instrument.

Details of the fiber receiving chamber and compressing plunger are particularly shown in Figure 2. The cylindrical peripheral walls of the chamber are provided by a member 27 and a perforated plate 30 forms the lower end thereof. Perforations 31 communicate with connection 21 leading from the outlet of instrument 10. Plunger 12 supports a perforated plate. 32 at its .lower. endand perforations 34 through this plate communicate with passage means 35 leading through the plunger to atmosphere. Plates 30 and 32 cooperate to compress a fibrous mass inserted into chamber 11 to a predetermined extent and allow flow of air through the fibrous mass.

Pllmger 12 is supported and actuated by a connecting rod. leading from a piston within air actuating cylinder 41. A pin 44 fitted at both ends. in plunger 12 extends: with clearance through an opening 45 adjacent the lower end of rod 40. This allows movement of plunger 12 relative: to rod 40, limited by flange 46 on the rod, eliminating alignment problems and the possibility of jamming. The upper edge of member 27 is. rounded at 47' to easily guide plunger 12 into chamber 11 upon extension of rod 40.

Air is applied to cylinder 41 to extend rod 46 and move plunger 12. into compression chamber 11 to start a gaging operation and this pressure. is maintained throughout gaging. A flange 50 on plunger 12 cooperates with an opposing surface 51 at the upper end of member 27, acting, as a. stop means to limit movement of the plunger within the chamber and insure a predetermined compression of the inserted fibrous mass. A bracket 54 fixed to the side of instrument 10 supports cylinder 41 in vertical alignment with chamber 11. An insert 55 at the lower end of plunger 12 takes the thrust of rod 4.0 during compression to minimize wear and insure that a. predetermined compression is accurately repeated.

During: set-up of instrument 10 prior to gaging, a pair of predetermined air flows simulating predetermined fiber characteristics must be obtained for inter-related adjustment of the float positioning adjustment 22 and amplification. adjustment 24. Also the air pressure must be accurately measured and adjusted. If chamber 11 is "dead-ended for the pressure adjustment, then the pressure indication obtained will not be truly indicative of pressure conditions which exist during gaging flow. Further, if a manometer or the like is permanently connected into the system pressure fluctuations which normally occur during gaging cause a movement of the mercury column which is disturbing to the operator. Also a mercury column in etfect bouncing on the line will aggravate pressure fluctuations and disturb gaging accuracy.

In the illustrated apparatus a set-up master unit is connected through a conduit 61 with a manometer 62 mounted vertically along instrument 10-. When the master is inserted into chamber 11 as seen in Figure 5 an O-ring 64 adjacent its lower end places the unit in sealed relationship with the chamber walls. Passage means indicated at 66 lead from the interior of chamber 11 to: atmosphere and include restrictions 67 and 68 through which air can be selectively diverted by application of the operators. finger to one of the passage outlets. In this exemplary unit a first predetermined maximum flow condition is obtained when the passage outlets are entirel y unrestricted. Restriction 68 determines this flow. Application of the operators finger to outlet 70 diverts the. entire flow through a smaller restriction 67 for a predetermined minimum flow condition. Thus the use of a pair of masters is eliminated and the amplification and indicator positioning adjustments are made with the application of a single unit and in an extremely rapid and eflicient manner.

A passage 72 opening at the lower end of master 60 communicates through conduit 61 with manometer 62. Thus the pressure in chamber 11 during actual gaging flow conditions is accurately indicated on the manometer. With such an arrangement the single assembly including a pressure gage and a master unit 60 can be used for setting up a number of difierent instruments and the pressure gage is moved from the circuit during gaging.

Figure 6 diagrammatically illustrates the gaging circuit for instrument 10 and the air circuit for movement oi compression plunger 12. Air is supplied under pressure froma suitable source to both circuits through an adjustable restriction 69. The flow to the actuating circuit is through a regulator 71, pressure gage 73, and to commercially available valve units 74 and 75 respectively controlled by palm operated plates 76 and 77. One of these plates 77 is indicated in Figure l and both are conveniently accessible at the front. of the apparatus. To extend plunger 12 for gaging, both plates 76 and 77 must be depressed, metering air under pressure through unit 74, conduit 80, unit 75, flow control valve 82, and conduit 84 leading to the upper end of cylinder 41. Air is simultaneously exhausted from the lower end of cylinder 41 through conduit 85, valve unit 74 and exhaust 86.

Flow control valve 82 is of a commercially available type controlling the velocity of flow downward through the unit as illustrated and allowing unrestricted return flow. The series connection of valve units 74 and 75 for plunger extension requires simultaneous depression of plates 76 and 77 to prevent the operator from being injured by the extension of plunger 12. Both plates 76 and 77 must be kept depressed during gaging to maintain the supply of air pressure to the upper end of cylinder 41 so that plunger 12 is firmly urged into chamber 11.

When plates 76 and 77 are released upon the completion of a gaging operation, air is diverted through valve unit 74, conduit 85 and to the lower end of cylinder 41 to raise plunger 12. Exhaust from cylinder 41 is through conduit 84, flow control valve 82, valve unit 75 and exhaust outlet 87.

During gaging air is supplied to the inlet 20 of instrument 10 through a conduit a pressure operated valve unit 91, and a regulator 92. During set-up valve 91 is closed and master unit 60 is inserted into chamber 11 and valve 94 is opened, by-passing valve 91 and supplying air to the instrument. Gage 95 indicates the pressure of air supplied to regulator 92 under either condition.

Valve unit 91 is opened to regulator 92 and maintained opened when suflicient pressure is applied to it through conduit 97 connected at 98 to the supply conduit for the extension of plunger 12. Unit 91 is illustrated in Figure 7. When suflicient pressure exists in conduit 97 and chamber 100 actuating piston 101 is moved to the left simultaneously moving spool valve 102 to meter air under pressure from supply connection 90 to outlet 89 leading to instrument 10. Conversely when pressure is reduced in conduit 97 piston 101 is urged to the right by Spring 104 and conduit 89 is connected to an exhaust connection 105.

An adjustable restriction is provided in conduit 97 leading to air actuated valve unit 91 in order to provide a predetermined delay in the supplying of air to chamber 11 to allow full extension of plunger 12 when gaging is initiated and also to maintain valve 91 in an open condition for a predetermined period upon retraction of plunger 12. In this manner air flow is maintained through chamber 11 for a short time after gaging and the fibrous mass inserted into the chamber is automatically ejected. Extension pressure applied to cylinder 41 through conduit 84 is immediately eflective to extend plunger 12 but the build-up of pressure in conduit 97 is slower providing a delay in the opening of valve 91. Also when plates 76 and 77 are released and pressure from the upper end of cylinder 41 is exhausted to atmosphere as plunger 12 retracts, pressure is maintained in conduit 97 because of its slow leakage past restriction 110. Flow to the chamber 11 through instrument 10 is cut oil after the mass is ejected.

Thus it is seen that an apparatus has been provided for automatically gaging fiber characteristics in an antomatic manner and with repetitive accuracy. A set-up assembly has been provided including a master unit for insertion into the fiber receiving chamber of such an ap= paratus, the unit having a permanent connection to a pressure gage such as a manometer so that set-up operations are expedited and realistic pressures gaged during set-up. The air actuating and gaging circuits are simple and reliable in operation.

While the form of apparatus herein described constitutes a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to this precise form of apparatus, and that changes may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention which is defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. Apparatus for gaging fiber characteristics comprising flow responsive indicating means having an inlet adapted for connection to a source of air under pressure, valve means controlling said inlet, means providing a chamber having an open end for receiving a fibrous mass to be gauged, passage means between the outlet of said indicating means and the other end of said receiving chamber, a fiber compressing plunger for insertion into said chamber, passage means leading to atmosphere from the compressed fibrous mass, power means for extension of the plunger into said chamber and retraction therefrom, means connecting said plunger to said power means allowing limited free movement of the plunger relative to the power means, guide means cooperating between one end of said plunger and the open end of said chamber for easy entry of the plunger into the chamber upon energization of said power means, and control means operatively connected to said power means, said control means including manually actuated means to energize said power means and extend said plunger into the chamber for gaging.

2. Apparatus for gaging fiber characteristics comprising flow responsive indicating means having an inlet adapted for connection to a source of air under pressure, valve means controlling said inlet, means providing a chamber having an open end for receiving a fibrous mass to be gaged, passage means between the outlet of said indicating means and the other end of said receiving chamber, a fiber compressing plunger for insertion into said chamber, passage means leading through said plunger to atmosphere from the compressed fibrous mass, an air cylinder including a projecting rod for extension of the plunger into said chamber and retraction therefrom, means connecting said rod to said plunger allowing limited freedom for pivoting of the plunger and movement transverse the rod axis, the outer end of said chamber being conformed to guide the plunger thereinto, and control means operatively connected to said power means for extending said plunger into said chamber.

3. Apparatus for gaging fiber characteristics comprising flow responsive indicating means having an inlet adapted for connection to a source of air under pressure, valve means controlling said inlet, means providing a vertically disposed chamber having an open end for receiving a fibrous mass to be gaged, passage means between the outlet of said indicating means and the other end of said receiving chamber, a fiber compressing plunger for insertion into said chamber, passage means leading through said plunger to atmosphere from the compressed fibrous mass, an air cylinder above said chamber including rod means for extension of the plunger into said chamber for gaging and retraction therefrom following a gaging operation, said rod means extending centrally along a portion of said passage means with clearance, connection means between said rod means and plunger adjacent the lower end of said rod means allow pivoting and transverse movement of the plunger, said plunger having abutment means in opposition to the lower end of said rod means for taking thrust upon compression of a fibrous mass, the upper end of said chamber being conformed to guide the plunger thereinto, and control means operatively connected to said air cylinder and said valve means including means for automatically supplying air through said indicating means and to said chamber after a predetermined time delay for insertion of the plunger and to maintain air flow for a predetermined period after plunger retraction for automatic ejection of the fibrous mass.

4. Apparatus for gaging fiber characteristics comprising flow responsive indicating means having an inlet adapted for connection to a source of air under pressure, valve means in said inlet, means providing a chamber having an open end for receiving a fibrous mass to be gaged, passage means between the outlet of said indicating means and the other end of said receiving chamber, a fiber compressing plunger for insertion into said chamber, passage means leading to atmosphere from the compressed fibrous mass, an air cylinder operatively connected to said plunger for extension of the plunger into said chamber and retraction therefrom, and control means connected to said valve means and said power means for automatically extending said plunger into said chamber and supplying air for gaging and to retract the plunger and cut off the air supply upon completion of a gaging operation, said control means including a pair of independent manually operated valve units connected in series, and conduit means for connecting one of the units to a source of air under pressure and the other to one end of Said air cylinder to apply pressure for movement of said plunger into the chamber for gaging.

5. Apparatus for gaging fiber characteristics comprising fiow responsive indicating means having an inlet adapted for connection to a source of air under pressure, means providing a chamber having an open end for receiving a fibrous mass to be gaged, passage means between the outlet of said indicating means and the other end of said receiving chamber, a fiber compressing plunger for insertion into said chamber, passage means in said plunger leading to atmosphere from the compressed fibrous mass, an air cylinder having piston means operatively connected to said plunger, control means including passage means leading to said cylinder for applying and maintaining air pressure to extend said plunger for gaging, valve means in the inlet to said indicating means, actuating means connected to said passage means responsive to the applied extension pressure, and means connecting said actuating means to said valve means for controlling air flow through said indicating means and to said chamber.

6. Apparatus for gaging fiber characteristics comprising flow responsive indicating means having an inlet adapted for connection to a source of air under pressure, valve means in said inlet, means providing a chamber having an open end for receiving a fibrous mass to be gaged, passage means between the outlet of said indicating means and the other end of said receiving chamber, a fiber compressing plunger for insertion into said chamber, passage means leading to atmosphere from the compressed fibrous mass, air actuated power means connected to said plunger for extension of the plunger into said chamber for gaging, air supply means leading to said power means, pressure responsive means connected to said supply means and controlled by application of pressure to said power means for automatically actuating said valve means to control air flow for gaging, and means for delaying application of pressure to said pressure responsive means to prevent flow into the chamber during insertion of said plunger to allow full compression of the fibrous mass and maintain flow into the chamber during retraction of the plunger to expel the fibrous mass.

7. Apparatus for gaging fiber characteristics comprising flow responsive indicating means having an inlet adapted for connection to a source of air under pressure, means providing a chamber having an open end for receiving a fibrous mass to be gauged, passage means between the outlet of said indicating means and the other end of said receiving chamber, a fiber compressing plunger for insertion into said chamber, said plunger having passage means leading to atmosphere, an air cylinder having piston means operatively connected, to said plunger, control means for connection to a source of air under pressure and including passage means leading, to said cylinder to apply and maintain pressure to extend said plunger during gaging, valve means in the inlet to said indicating means, pressure responsive actuating means operatively connected to said valve. means, conduit means between said passage means and, said actuating means, and restriction means in said conduit means for delaying build-up of pressure appliedv to said actuating means to delay flow to the chamber to allow extension of said plunger for gaging and to maintain flow to the chamber during retraction of said plunger for automatic ejection of the fibrous mass by the flow of gaging air.

8. An apparatus as set forth in claim 7 wherein said receivingchamber and compressing plunger, are supported in vertical alignment, a pivot connection between. said plunger and said piston, and cooperating guide, means between the chamber and. plunger for easy entry of the plunger thereinto.

References Gited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 

